A Guide to the Culture and Traditions of the
Andean Communities of Peru

Introduction to the Culture and
Traditions of the Andean Communities

This Week's Photo

Preparing Chuño

In the preparation of chuño potatoes
are spread out evenly on the ground and exposed to freezing temperatures
during the night. During the day the potatoes thaw out. This freeze-thaw
cycle is repeated over a period of 4 or 5 days until the potatoes become
soft and mushy.. The potatoes are then trampled bare-foot to squeeze out
the juice. Eventually the potatoes become dehydrated in the sun and they
can be stored. The potatoes can then be used throughout the year, mainly
in soups and stews. The Chuño was so precious to the Inca that it
was used as currency and collected as tribute and a staple used by Inca
soldiers.

"My Peru" is a website aimed at helping to educate
visitors to Peru about the way of life in the mountain villages surrounding
Cusco. Although most of the inhabitants of this area are poor in material
wealth, they are very rich in culture and spirit and are a generous warm
people.

We want to share with you some of the customs and
traditions of these Quechua communities - the original inhabitants of the
high Andes, whose ancestors made their living off the land long before the
Spanish arrived over 500 years ago and who practiced their way of life even
before the Incas governed the territory.

We have included information on festivals and dances,
traditional clothing, textiles and handicrafts, natural medicines, education
and agricultural practices, as well as plenty of photos, local stories and
children's drawings.

Of course the best way to understand this way of life is
to actually visit the communities and stay in the homes of these people. We
have information about "homestay" programs, maps and details how to get to
some of the villages and what to expect when you arrive.

Too many visitors to Cusco just take a day trip by train
to Machu Picchu, take an afternoon "Cusco City Tour" and a day tour of the
Sacred Valley usually only accompanied by other overseas travellers.
Very few visitors ever get the chance to really experience the real life and
culture of the Andes. We hope that this website will open your eyes you to
some of the rich and diverse opportunities that Peru can offer, making your
visit to Peru a real experience of a lifetime.